We invite all of our valued customers to our farm for an Open House we are hosting for 4J Family Partnership. This is a social event to celebrate to new partnership between us and 4J. Approximately 20 head of prospects will be available for viewing.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Our Herd and Our Focus
Here are a few pictures of our two cow families, and really, they could be consided one since both JAZX Audrey 352N and CTR Sweet Success 2 are both sired by the Chiangus bull CTR Success, but it's the dam side that is the difference.
Audrey Family - from left to right: JAZX Audrey 352N, ZNT Jenna 707T (Hardcore x Audrey), ZNT Montego Bay (Jenna x Tyson), and ZNT Sandy Bay (Jenna x Tyson)
CTR Sweet Success (Sweetie) Family - from left to right: CTR Sweet Success, ZNT American Hope 903W (Hardcore x Sweetie)
Montego Bay's New Home
June 17th was a greatly anticipated day since the day we decided that we were going to keep Montego Bay a bull. Of course we were very excited about the potential he will have on the Maine Anjou breed, and we were thrilled when he was named Jr. Calf Champion Bull at Ft. Worth, but we also knew what was in store as he got older. These duly expected joys came to a reality as he matured, including pushing over every T-post and electric fence post in his pen and throwing his 10' feed bunk around like it was a rag doll. I know REI in Stillwater, OK will be much more set up to handle a yearling bull that KNOWS he is a bull. Here are a couple of pictures of our joyous day, just 2 days before his first birthday. Updates will be posted as semen becomes available.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
A.I. Gun Preparation
Through my years of artificially inseminating cattle, I have seen several different techniques for thawing semen and preparing a gun for A.I.ing. This video demonstrates the process I go through each time I prepare the semen for insemination.
Check out our Youtube Channel for more videos. www.youtoube.com/zntcattle
Check out our Youtube Channel for more videos. www.youtoube.com/zntcattle
Monday, May 24, 2010
Calving in the Heat
Calving this time of year can be just as dangerous, or maybe more than calving in the winter time. Dehydration is your number one killer.
Here are a few issues that need to be monitored closely when calving in the summer time:
1. Cows can get exhausted much faster during the calving process. A cow will give up pushing on a difficult birth faster than in cool weather, increasing the need for assistance on calves that would normally be born on their own.
2. Shade is crucial to survival of summer born calves. Newborns will not naturally seek the shade, and cows will not always hide their calves in the shade when they go to graze. A young calf will die in the matter of hours on a hot, sunny day. Calves may require being tubed with water and/or electrolyte as much as two weeks after calving
3. Calves tend to be less vigorous when born on hot days. They may not nurse right away, and even if they do nurse, they may require a supplimental tubing of milk and water. Many times at birth, the newborn does not have enough body mass to fulfill its fluid requirements by just nursing on its own. The high temperatures can also cause a reduction in appetite, causing the calf to nurse less.
Here are a few issues that need to be monitored closely when calving in the summer time:
1. Cows can get exhausted much faster during the calving process. A cow will give up pushing on a difficult birth faster than in cool weather, increasing the need for assistance on calves that would normally be born on their own.
2. Shade is crucial to survival of summer born calves. Newborns will not naturally seek the shade, and cows will not always hide their calves in the shade when they go to graze. A young calf will die in the matter of hours on a hot, sunny day. Calves may require being tubed with water and/or electrolyte as much as two weeks after calving
3. Calves tend to be less vigorous when born on hot days. They may not nurse right away, and even if they do nurse, they may require a supplimental tubing of milk and water. Many times at birth, the newborn does not have enough body mass to fulfill its fluid requirements by just nursing on its own. The high temperatures can also cause a reduction in appetite, causing the calf to nurse less.
Monday, May 17, 2010
The Chute
Many of you have seen me use our working chute in prior blogs and videos. I thought I would explain some of the special features that make it so functional.
The chute is 30 inches wide by 8 feet long. The first key component are the swinging side doors that hinge in the rear of the chute. Several cross-bars are located in the side door, allowing a bar to be placed behind the animal, regardless of size.
The floor is made of a grated material, allowing the side poles to be place in any position on the floor. The top of the chute contains two ladder type cross beams 2 and 4 feet from the front of the chute. The ladder type structure allows the side bar to be place in different positions depending on the size of animal and what is being done.
The next special feature is the zero gap attachment of the Pearson automatic head catch to the body of the chute. This shallow profile allows easy access to the neck and brisket area of the animal when clipping with the side doors open.
Lastly is a palpation cage attached to the rear of the chute. Having the rear access to the chute make it a perfect tool for preg checking, A.I.ing, or flushing cows.
Is the chute perfect? NO. But it works great for our herd and custom cattle operations. If you have any additional questions, feel free to email me.
The chute is 30 inches wide by 8 feet long. The first key component are the swinging side doors that hinge in the rear of the chute. Several cross-bars are located in the side door, allowing a bar to be placed behind the animal, regardless of size.
The floor is made of a grated material, allowing the side poles to be place in any position on the floor. The top of the chute contains two ladder type cross beams 2 and 4 feet from the front of the chute. The ladder type structure allows the side bar to be place in different positions depending on the size of animal and what is being done.
The next special feature is the zero gap attachment of the Pearson automatic head catch to the body of the chute. This shallow profile allows easy access to the neck and brisket area of the animal when clipping with the side doors open.
Lastly is a palpation cage attached to the rear of the chute. Having the rear access to the chute make it a perfect tool for preg checking, A.I.ing, or flushing cows.
Is the chute perfect? NO. But it works great for our herd and custom cattle operations. If you have any additional questions, feel free to email me.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Continental Divide Vacation
After 11 days, 10 states, 4200 miles, and 8 National Parks/Monuments, all I have to say is AMAZING! Sorry for the lack of updates on our website, but I got a little preoccupied the the last couple of weeks helping my wife plan, and enjoy the most amazing vacation our family has been on.
Our trip was a combination of seeing parents and grandparents and seeing the marvels of the Western United States. We started off meeting up with my grandma in Loveland, CO and enjoying the beautiful foothills of the Rocky Mountains. The we proceeded to the Panhandle of Nebraska to see my grandpa and parents, and also took in a couple of the icons of the Oregon Trail (Scottsbluff National Monument and Chimmey Rock). Then we blazed off to see some of the picturesque areas areas of the Black Hills (Mount Rushmore and Wind Cave), the Grand Tetons/Jackson Hole, Craters of the Moon in Arco, ID, and the vastness of country in between. I recommend every stop!
We took a few days in Boise, ID to visit my wife's father and grandmother, while taking in several of the attractions in the Boise area. What a wonderful area and city! After our little rest, we headed South to Arches National Park in Moab, UT. All I can say is it is a MUST SEE! That same day we took in the Mesa Verde National Park in Cortez, CO. Also a must see. Even pictures can't explain the beauty of these places.
Last stop on the trip took us to Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico. Self proclaimed the 8th Wonder of the World, I have to agree. Again, pictures can not explain.
I know we passed so many of our friends and fellow cattlemen in our travels, and I truly apologize for not getting a chance to stop and say hi, but we did take in, and appreciated the beauty you live in every day. I do have to add that on our trip, we saw several projects at several national parks financed by the Economic Recovery Act, and it made me so happy to see these dollars going towards these parks, allowing people world-wide a better chance to enjoy the rare creations God gave to America and the World.
Our trip was a combination of seeing parents and grandparents and seeing the marvels of the Western United States. We started off meeting up with my grandma in Loveland, CO and enjoying the beautiful foothills of the Rocky Mountains. The we proceeded to the Panhandle of Nebraska to see my grandpa and parents, and also took in a couple of the icons of the Oregon Trail (Scottsbluff National Monument and Chimmey Rock). Then we blazed off to see some of the picturesque areas areas of the Black Hills (Mount Rushmore and Wind Cave), the Grand Tetons/Jackson Hole, Craters of the Moon in Arco, ID, and the vastness of country in between. I recommend every stop!
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Spring vs. Fall Calving
As we get later into the spring calving season, the dilemma starts with "What do I do with my late calving cows?" In this circumstance, the decision needs to be made to either try to breed the cows back quickly to get her calving with the rest of the herd, or hold her over and breed her to calve in the fall. My first experience came about due to a bull going bad during breeding season, resulting in 23 open cows at fall preg checking. The cows were too good to cull, and it would cost too much to hold them over a year, so breeding them for fall calves ended up being the best option.
Not always does this decision need to be made due to circumstance. The decision to calve in the spring, fall, or both is one that needs to be made after establishing your goals. I think the three biggest factors to take in consideration when deciding is your available market, your resources, and weather.
1. Market: This is a no-brainer. If you do not have a viable market to sell your calves to, don't throw your money away. Sometimes though, switching part or all of your herd to a different calving season can bring added value and expand your customer base. Fall calves can open doors to a southern steer market and fall bulls can bring in customers that will not use a true yearling bull.
2. Resources: Resources can range between a lot of different factors. It could mean your ability to segregate different ages of calves in your lot, or having multiple pastures to manage your spring and fall herd both separately and properly. Your ability to feed cows can be a major issue. Fall calving cows require supplemental feed int the late fall and winter months. Cows need extra energy and protein to make up for the poor quality forage in the winter and to make up for the fact that she is lactating. The ability to creep feed the calves is almost a must for fall calves. All that being said, the extra money spent in the winter is made up for in the spring and summer months because the cows requirements are at their lowest, and the same amount of pasture will run more cows. Our farm in Nebraska had a few swampy pastures with very low quality grass. Cows with calves at side did very poorly on these pastures, but when we started putting our fall calving cows on these pastures in the summer, the cows actually gained weight.
3. Weather: This is pretty self explanatory. Calves in the spring require shelter from the elements and the rancher must have the ability to warm less vigorous newborns or just be able to bring the calf in due to extreme cold temperatures. Summer and fall calves have the opposite issue to deal with. Hot weather can cause calves to become dehydrated and die within a matter of hours. And cows can become exhausted faster when calving in the heat. Abundant shade is a must during summer and fall calving time.
Every type of calving program has its place. You just have to decide which program or how many in each program is right for your operation.
Not always does this decision need to be made due to circumstance. The decision to calve in the spring, fall, or both is one that needs to be made after establishing your goals. I think the three biggest factors to take in consideration when deciding is your available market, your resources, and weather.
1. Market: This is a no-brainer. If you do not have a viable market to sell your calves to, don't throw your money away. Sometimes though, switching part or all of your herd to a different calving season can bring added value and expand your customer base. Fall calves can open doors to a southern steer market and fall bulls can bring in customers that will not use a true yearling bull.
2. Resources: Resources can range between a lot of different factors. It could mean your ability to segregate different ages of calves in your lot, or having multiple pastures to manage your spring and fall herd both separately and properly. Your ability to feed cows can be a major issue. Fall calving cows require supplemental feed int the late fall and winter months. Cows need extra energy and protein to make up for the poor quality forage in the winter and to make up for the fact that she is lactating. The ability to creep feed the calves is almost a must for fall calves. All that being said, the extra money spent in the winter is made up for in the spring and summer months because the cows requirements are at their lowest, and the same amount of pasture will run more cows. Our farm in Nebraska had a few swampy pastures with very low quality grass. Cows with calves at side did very poorly on these pastures, but when we started putting our fall calving cows on these pastures in the summer, the cows actually gained weight.
3. Weather: This is pretty self explanatory. Calves in the spring require shelter from the elements and the rancher must have the ability to warm less vigorous newborns or just be able to bring the calf in due to extreme cold temperatures. Summer and fall calves have the opposite issue to deal with. Hot weather can cause calves to become dehydrated and die within a matter of hours. And cows can become exhausted faster when calving in the heat. Abundant shade is a must during summer and fall calving time.
Every type of calving program has its place. You just have to decide which program or how many in each program is right for your operation.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Shearing Cattle for Summer
Temperatures are getting warmer, and the cattle can not get rid of that winter coat fast enough. Especially down here in Texas. We shear almost all of our cattle in mid-spring for many reasons. The cows are sheared to get that winter coat off, and keep them cooler in the hot springtime days, and scorching Texas summers. The show calves are sheared to remove the dead, brown hair, and start over with a brand new coat. Lastly, any spring and summer born babies are sheared to keep them cooler, and remove the brown coat that many of the black calves are born with. My example in this blog will be the shearing of a young show heifer, but the technique is the same for all cattle.
When beginning to shear, I determine which clipper I am going to use by what my purpose of shearing is. If I am shearing cows for the summer, I typically use sheephead clippers. If I am taking the winter hair off a show heifer, I use my flathead clippers. Reguardless of which type of clipper I am using, I clip with the lay of the hair.
After the body is sheared, then I take the clippers and shave the tail, head, and neck against the grain of the hair. Also shave the hair on the brisket between the front legs. For show cattle, do not shave the top of the tail head. You want to keep all of this hair you can for grooming in the fall and winter season.
When beginning to shear, I determine which clipper I am going to use by what my purpose of shearing is. If I am shearing cows for the summer, I typically use sheephead clippers. If I am taking the winter hair off a show heifer, I use my flathead clippers. Reguardless of which type of clipper I am using, I clip with the lay of the hair.
Flat Head Clipper
Sheep Head Clipper
Now that I have my clippers picked out, I get the animal in the chute, blow the dirt out thoroughly, and make sure all the hair is dry. This will prevent your blades from dulling to quickly. Starting at the hind quarter, I make long strokes straight down, all the way to the hock. Do not shear the legs. The hair is left of the legs to give protection from flies, and this hair does not shed like the body hair, so it will give you a little head start to your fall hair growth. Continue to work forward on the body with long downward strokes until you reach the ears. I do not shear lower than a line from the flank and the bottom of the brisket.
Feel free to contact me if you have questions on any part of this process. It is very simple, but I know it can be a little intimidating for an amateur.
Before
After
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Using a Torch to Clip Cattle (video)
Using a propane torch is a fast, safe way to clip cattle. My video demonstrates the process of both clipping and torching a cow. Equipment needed is a livestock blower to clean the dirt off the animal and to get the hair laying in the desired direction. A sheephead clipper with a goat comb blade to prevent cutting of the animals skin, a scotch comb, and a torch. Torches can be purchased at several livestock supply companies such as Sullivan Supply Co.
Caution, some clipping positions were done for video production, and anyone attempting to clip and torch cattle need to take precautions to prevent injury to themselves and their equipment.
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